The role of caregiver for a close relative can be exhausting and leave one deep in financial straits because of the round-the-clock needs of your loved one. But there are ways that the financial side of caregiving can be supplemented to relieve this particular stress. Here are 3 programs worth looking into.
1. Medicaid Programs
Medicaid programs allow people to hire their family members as a caregiver. If you are eligible to get coverage and benefits under Medicaid, you can become a paid caregiver. A qualified candidate has to contact their state’s office of Medicaid to start the procedure. The applicant is evaluated for strength, needs, risks, preferences and capacities. Your selected person will create a service plan for regular assistance, such as shopping, supervision, laundry, feeding, medication compliance and transportation.
2. Veterans Aid
Home and community-based care services of veterans are available in Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. If you qualify for this program, you have to find a PMC (Pension Management Center) in your state office. Write an application to PMC to explain the need for a caregiver. Make sure to include your medical report. Specifically, mention your mental or physical impairment or injury and need to hire a family member as a caregiver. If you are qualified for this program, your family caregiver will get a monthly stipend.
3. Care Insurance (Long-term)
A few long-term insurance policies can pay a caregiver from your family. Some plans exclude family members residing in the house or spouse. To find out available options, you have to contact your insurance agent. You can request a written approval of benefits.
Moreover, while working as a caregiver of a family member, you can get payment from another family member. If your family member is able to pay you for your services, make sure to create a contract that includes the services and hourly wages.
Serving your family member as a caregiver can be a rewarding job. While spending plenty of time with your beloved family member, you can provide the best services of a caregiver to them. Keep in mind that strangers can’t be as attentive or sympathetic in a caregiving role.
Caregivers have to leave their jobs to spend maximum time with their loved one. It means they are spending hours assisting their family with cooking meals, daily tasks, and visiting doctors.
A study shows that almost 31.3% caregivers of impaired people are facing financial difficulties. They have to face poverty or rely on state and public assistance. Caregivers lose their income while caring for an impaired family member. They have to make payments of caregiving expenditures from their pockets. For this reason, try to become a paid caregiver for your family.
When considering working as a caregiver, you have to find out about payment of your time and services. Here are some steps to receive compensation for working as a caregiver of a family member.
- Check your eligibility for the Counseling and Cash Program of Medicaid.
- Become a part of community and home-based services programs.
- Find out if your family member is eligible to get Veterans Aid.
- Check if your family member has a long-term insurance policy. This policy should provide you with caregiver compensation.
- Can you get paid leave from your company to become a caregiver?
- Find out whether your family is able to pay you for your services and time.